I too, need time and/or miles to warm up. In fact, it's rare that I feel great in the beginning of any ride...it takes me at least 5 miles, sometimes 10. I started eating a Clif bar before riding; it helps some, but I think it's just the way I am. I also get second and third winds where I feel really good. In the beginning my legs are dead and my lungs are sometimes , too, but not as often as the legs. I eat well and stretch, so I just try to go slowly for 2-5 miles. If I am on a group ride (where I am not leading), I stay in the back when all of those "show offs" go out really fast. I know that in awhile, i will be passing them. Even though I have been riding for 5 years, I still get nervous every single time I go out.... I don't know why, but it does take me awhile to get into the right mental set.